Top 10 Places to Visit in Mumbai
1. The Gateway of India
Address: End of C. Shivaji Maharaj, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
The Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s most popular and treasured landmarks, standing proud on the banks of the Arabian Sea at the Apollo Bunder waterfront area. The 26-meter basalt archway, which combines Roman triumphal arch architectural styles with traditional Hindu and Muslim designs, was built as a welcome gesture for King George V and Queen Mary when they visited British India in 1911. Ironically, the last British troops left India through this archway in 1948, after the country declared independence from the United Kingdom.
The Gateway of India is now one of Mumbai’s most popular gathering places for both tourists and locals. Observe as yachts and ferries depart from the five jetties that flank the arch. Street food vendors sell the famous bhelpuri (a crunchy, savoury snack made of puffed rice and doused in tamarind sauce). Alternatively, you could simply spend an hour or two people watching at this lively attraction.
After that, take a 10-minute walk southwest to the Colaba Causeway Market, a bustling bazaar selling everything you can think of and more. It’s one of the best places in Mumbai to go for cheap shopping.
2. Marine Drive
A cruise down Marine Drive would not be complete without a visit to Mumbai. The 3.6-kilometer-long C-shaped boulevard provides breathtaking views of the coast.The sightseeing opportunities on the other side of Marine Drive, on the other hand, are equally impressive. The street is lined with stunning Art Deco structures that have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
After your mini road trip, walk along the Marine Drive promenade for some more sightseeing. The best time to go is shortly before sunset. That’s when tourists and Mumbaikars congregate on Girgaum Chowpatty’s sands to watch the cotton candy skies fade to dark while snacking on Mumbai’s famous street food from nearby stalls.
3. Bandra-Worli Sea Link
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link cable-stayed bridge is one of Mumbai’s most recognisable landmarks. The eight-lane bridge, which opened in 2009, connects the central business district with the western suburbs across the open sea, providing much-needed relief from traffic congestion on the Mahim Causeway. It has become Mumbai’s equivalent of the Brooklyn Bridge or the Sydney Opera House.
For the best views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, visit the Bandra Fort, a historic watchtower built by the Portuguese in 1640. It’s also worthwhile to drive across the bridge. The crashing sea can be seen on both sides of the bridge during the day. Watch the bridge light up with spectacular colours at night.
4. Taj Mahal Palace
Address: Apollo Bunder, Mumbai
Another popular tourist attraction close to the Gateway of India is the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Tower. The grandeur of India’s first luxury hotel, which is more than a century old, is admired. The windowed facade combines Renaissance and Islamic elements, such as corner turrets topped with onion domes, pointed archways, and covered balconies.
The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is one of India’s most photographed locations. Walk by and take your own photo from the street. Better yet, in the afternoon, visit the hotel’s colonial-style restaurant, Sea Lounge, for an elaborate high tea.
5. Kanheri Caves
Address: Borivali East, Mumbai
While Mumbai may appear to be a gleaming, modern city at first glance, it also has some ancient sites that will take your breath away. Spend a day at Sanjay Gandhi National Park exploring the Kanheri Caves, a complex of monuments carved out of basalt formations around 2,000 years ago. Inside the 109 cave entrances, large stupas, congregation areas, and prayer halls can be found, indicating that this was once a sacred place for Buddhists.. Look for the unfinished Buddha paintings on the cave 34 ceiling.
6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum
Address: 159-Address: 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum is also high on the list of top things to do in Mumbai for tourists. This is one of India’s most important art and history attractions. It was previously known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India.
You’ll need at least a full day to see the museum’s 70,000-item permanent collection, which includes Indian miniature paintings, Himalayan art, antique Asian coins, jewelled swords, and other treasures. After that, walk around the streets of the Fort neighbourhood near the museum, which are lined with beautiful Gothic architecture.
7. Global Vipassana Pagoda
Address: Next to Esselworld, Gorai Village, Borivali, Mumbai
At the Global Vipassana Pagoda, you can experience Mumbai’s peaceful and quiet side. The 96-meter-high stupa is inspired by Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda and is covered in real gold that gleams in the sunlight. The hollow pagoda has a massive hall with enough space for 8,000 people to meditate in peace together.
Don’t know how to meditate, Take one of the free 10-minute Anapana meditation courses that are available at the pagoda throughout the day. On-site, there’s also a large vegetarian food court with some delectable dosas.
8. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Address: S.K. Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
Many Hindus have favourite gods among the religion’s 33 million. Devotees of Ganesha (the elephant-headed potbellied deity known as the “remover of obstacles”) make pilgrimages to the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple.
Slip off your shoes and enter to see the deity’s idol, which is draped with marigold garlands and offerings, along with hundreds of other visitors (and perhaps a granted wish). It’s an unforgettable cultural experience. If you’re looking for other sacred Ganesha sites, visit the Vazira Naka Ganpati temple and the Garodia Nagar Ganpati temple.
9. Mahalakshmi Temple
Address: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai
One of Mumbai’s oldest and most famous temples is the Mahalakshmi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, and draws large crowds through its ornate gate and into the shrine with the idol. Visitors will also see gold-accented idols of other deities, such as Tridevi (the patron deity of music and education) and Kali (the goddess of destruction). Visit the Haji Ali Dargah, a floating Muslim shrine just a 15-minute walk from the Mahalakshmi Temple, for another spiritual experience.
10. Elephanta Caves
Address: Gharapuri, Maharashtra
The Elephanta Caves are located in Western India on Elephanta Island (also known as Gharapuri Island), which consists of two hillocks separated by a narrow valley. The small island is dotted with numerous ancient archaeological remains that serve as the only witnesses to its rich cultural history. These archaeological remains show evidence of occupation dating back to the second century BC. The rock-cut Elephant Caves were built between the mid-5th and 6th centuries AD. The largest of the caves is Cave 1, which measures 39 metres from the front entrance to the back. This cave in the western hill is similar in design to the Dumar Lena cave in Ellora, India. The cave layout, including the pillar components, placement and division of the caves into different parts, and the provision of a sanctum or Garbhagriha of the Sarvatobhadra plan, are all important. developments in rock-cut architecture. The Elephanta Caves are the result of a long artistic tradition, but they also demonstrate refreshing innovation. The Elephanta Caves were a pinnacle of aesthetic beauty and sculptural art, complete with respondent Rasas. The caves’ overall design incorporates Hindu spiritualistic beliefs and symbology.The fifteen large reliefs that surround the lingam chapel in the main Elephanta Cave are not only one of the greatest examples of Indian art, but also one of the most important collections for the Shiva cult.
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